SPRINGFIELD – Chanting “What do we want? Peace!” and “When do we want it? Now!,” a group of people led by two Springfield teens rallied against violence Saturday at the “X” intersection at Belmont Street and Sumner Avenue.

The rally attracted those personally affected by violence, as well residents and politicians concerned about the city.

The organizers, James A. Villalobos, 14, and Anthony N. Shea, 19, said they hope their message is heard.

“We hope they will see we are united for change,” said Villalobos, a sophomore at Springfield’s Central High School. “This depends on the youth themselves. It’s the only way to save our city.”

Villalobos said he was tired of hearing about shootings and murders and wanted to do something. He created the Facebook site, “Enough Violence in Springfield,” to connect with others interested in stopping the violence. The page now has close to 6,000 members.

That’s how Jackie L. Natar, 24, of Holyoke, connected with Villalobos. Her brother, Jonathan Santiago, 21, was shot to death May 31 in his car on State Street during an attempted robbery.

“He was my baby brother, my best friend, my joy,” Natar said.

She urged people to get along, and said it’s not worth it to take someone’s life.

Mario Hornsby Sr., whose 19-year-old son Mario L. Hornsby Jr. was shot and killed two years ago, praised the young men for organizing the rally.

“These guys are proactive in the community and concerned about their peers’ safety. It’s awesome,” Hornsby said.

Timothy Henderson, who wore a “RIP Green Eyes” T-shirt, said he was like Santiago’s father. He said Santiago’s friends kept calling Santiago to go out; he finally did, and was killed. Santiago’s nickname was “green eyes.”

“I think it’s a beautiful thing,” Henderson said about the rally. “I’m not going to any more damn funerals.”